- Expansion of existing flexible generation plant at Răcari will add two 6MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) to provide rapid-response for grid balancing services in Romania.
- One of the first projects in Romania to hybridise battery energy storage in parallel with high-efficiency gas engines.
- BESS installation will strengthen operational resilience of the grid and by replacing diesel engines will enhance sustainability and reduce emissions.
Clarke Energy’s Romanian team proudly announces a significant advancement in energy storage technology at the flexible generation project in Răcari, marking a milestone in Romania’s journey toward a more resilient and flexible energy grid. This pioneering project, one of the first in Romania to hybridise battery energy storage systems (BESS) with gas engines, strengthens the National Energy System (SEN) with rapid-response, grid balancing solutions.
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The BESS project represents a strategic expansion of two 20MW peaking power plants developed by NAVIOS Investment, who previously partnered with Clarke Energy as their trusted EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor to help deliver advanced grid balancing services.
The Răcari project, featuring two BESS units with a combined 12MW per hour capacity (6MW/6MWh each), allows energy to be stored during periods of low demand and efficiently injected into the SEN at optimal market moments. This system bolsters energy availability precisely when needed, strengthening the grid, and contributing to a more sustainable energy future for Romania. The project is also hydrogen-ready, with future plans to integrate solar energy into the site’s operations, further enhancing its sustainability and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
The innovative project has been developed in two phases to optimise its impact on the energy grid. Phase 1 saw the commissioning of 20MW gas engines operating independently, followed by the integration of the first 6MWh BESS, now operational. Phase 2 will add another 20MW of gas engines and a second 6MWh BESS, operating as a single hybrid unit from the outset to ensure seamless integration and maximise grid reliability.
Battery energy storage is a flexible, dispatchable, and highly deployable technology at the grid level, offering critical support for grid services such as frequency response, voltage stabilisation, and energy dispatch or shedding. Unlike traditional backup systems, these BESS units can respond almost instantaneously to sudden shifts in demand or supply, stabilising the grid even in the face of unexpected events like extreme weather, technical failures, or other disruptions. By replacing diesel-based generators with BESS, facilities can enhance their environmental impact and reduce emissions, contributing positively to both operational resilience and sustainability.
Clarke Energy is also leveraging its connection with parent company Rehlko, a global leader in resilient energy solutions, by supplying its emergency generators to further enhance the site’s resilience.
This project underscores Clarke Energy’s commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions, setting a new standard in grid-supportive technology and enhancing energy resilience nationwide in Romania.
